Posted:13th May 2003Ive got a presentation to finish about my final year dissertation and im really stressed about it. I can't seem to get my head round it. I have my question sorted, but because im so worried about reading my presentation out tomorrow, i cant seem to finish writing it!.Anyone got any advice on anything that would help. Thanx.

Only when the last tree has died and the last river has been poisoned and the last fish has been caught will we realise that we cannot eat money.

Posted:13th May 2003Astro faerie, I truly sympathise with you, i know how it is. I would suggest taking half an hour off & forgetting about the project for a while. I know its hard, but it works for me. Take a very warm if not as hot-as-you-can-go shower (not bath- too relaxing) and drink a big cup of green tea/hot chocolate- put on your baggiest/softest/warmest and loosest clothes and relax for a bit. Think of happy things in the past (dont start daydreaming about the future- its dangerous!) and then...

think about the general layout of your project, what you have done and what you have left to do, and how you are going to do it. Then, and only then, sit back down to work with grim determination. You can do it.

Posted:14th May 2003What really works for me is visualization techniques. I teach college students, and I always get nervous before speaking in public...always, no matter how much I do it.

What need to do is:

1) to finish writing...change locations or do something different, don't sit in front of a computer...play kool music and trance out. It'll come to you! OR...talk to someone about it, read it over or pretend like you are teaching a person what you know, then it may just verbally flow out of you.

2) practice speaking and reading your presentation over and over - DO NOT worry yourself with trying to memorize it, but know it well enough to look up and make eye contact.

3) mindful meditation and positive affirmations work like magic. Tell yourself (non-stop) that you will do a great job, everything will work out perfectly. If you remain positive, then you will be way less worried and nervous.

4) during your exam/presentation, be aware of your breathing. Take a couple of deep breaths before-hand, close your eyes, and tell yourself it'll be over quickly..then you can go home and smoke a fat bowl